ODZ petrol station proposed in Naxxar

A petrol station is being proposed outside development zone on a disused field in an area known as ta’ Bingjala in Naxxar along Triq is-Salina, which connects Naxxar and Maghtab to the coast road.

The development proposed by Kalcidon Vella involves the demolition of part of a rubble wall, and the provision of a car wash, a shop, a storage room and a mechanic’s service.

In April, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) issued for public consultation a policy framework to provide a general guidance and establish planning parameters for new fuel service stations or existing ones that are seeking relocation.

The policy is proposing that fuel stations should preferably be located in Designated Industrial Areas, SME sites, Areas of Containment, Open Storage Areas, sites already occupied by fuel stations or other areas earmarked for development that are not designated as Residential and Residential Priority Areas.

While the same location criteria would apply in the case of Relocated Fuel Stations, the policy also indicates that in such cases land outside areas designated for development committed for non-agricultural uses or disused quarries may also be considered.

Additionally, fuel stations will not be permitted within 300m of boreholes, which should generally be located more than 500m from the nearest fuel station.